5 Ways Cannabis Could Help With the Symptoms of AIDS

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, known as AIDS today, is a disease which causes a severe deficiency in the capability of the immune system. AIDS patients lose the ability to fight off even the smallest of infections, and soon become extremely sick as a result.

The immune system is one of the most complex and vital systems in the human body. It is comprised of a huge number of organs and other parts of the body including the tonsils, lymph nodes, bone marrow, the spleen and white blood cells.

Everyday our bodies fend off infections and attacks from the outside world that are so subtle that we don’t even notice them. The immune system though is working around the clock to protect us from these attacks and keep us healthy and happy.

Unfortunately, when the immune system is compromised we notice very quickly. An ineffective immune system can lead to recurring infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections and colds and flu, digestive problems and even delayed growth.

In AIDS patients, this immune deficiency causes:

A persistent cough and shortness of breath

A loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

Dramatic weight loss

Persistent diarrhea

Depression

Lesions, sores and rashes on the face and genitals

Chronic pain

Treating AIDS With Cannabis

There is no current cure for AIDS, so patients have little choice but to manage their symptoms as best they can. While some pharmaceutical treatments offer some relief, for many years patients have been using cannabis as a preferred treatment. Finally, scientific research is starting to understand why.

Nausea and Vomiting

Cannabis has been proven to reduce both nausea and vomiting in a number of studies and clinical trials. This is why it has become such a popular treatment for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. It could help to reduce these symptoms in AIDS patients too.

Weight Loss

In addition to helping AIDS patients keep their food down, cannabis is believed to actually increase appetite. It has been used with this effect as a treatment for patients who suffer from severe eating disorders for sometime.

Chronic Pain

Medical cannabis has become synonymous with the treatment of chronic pain. Through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, it can reduce the levels of pain experienced by the patient significantly.

Depression

Depression is a common symptom of the vast majority of incurable diseases and conditions. Thankfully, it seems that cannabis could help to alleviate this symptom, or reduce its severity at the very least.

Fighting Infections

Cannabis is a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent. This means that it could potentially help the weakened immune system to fight off infections.

Unfortunately, most of what we know about the effects of cannabis on AIDS is still unproven. Although studies have suggested that this ancient plant medicine could have the above effects, most research is currently in the preliminary stages and cannot reasonably be considered as conclusive evidence.

In the meantime, AIDS patients are using cannabis more than ever before, and if their reports are to be believed, it’s fair to expect that a future cannabis-based AIDS treatment is not outside the realms of possibility.